Meaning of "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine" by Joan Baez

The lyrics of "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine" seem to explore themes of loss, martyrdom, and the struggle for justice. St. Augustine, a revered figure in Christian theology, is depicted as a suffering figure searching for those who have been betrayed or sold in some way. The reference to gifted kings and queens without a martyr among them suggests a call to action for those in power to listen to the voice of the disenfranchised. Upon waking from the dream, the narrator feels a sense of helplessness and sorrow at the injustices in the world, reflecting the ongoing struggle for justice and the pain of witnessing cruelty and indifference. Overall, the song appears to be a reflection on the need for empathy, compassion, and action in a world marked by suffering and injustice.